Tweet
Sam Landsberger From: Herald Sun
THE Western Bulldogs ladder dip could be short lived, with plenty of talent continuing to blossom for VFL affiliate Williamstown.
It was rookie-listed pair Matthew Panos and Jason Johannissen who showcased their potential as the Seagulls obliterated last-placed Frankston by 93 points to cement a qualifying final date with North Ballarat in Box Hill on Sunday.
Panos kicked a season-best six goals and after a stint in the backline, is pushing his case for promotion to the Dogs senior list.
Third-gamer Johannissen sparkled with his pace, creativity and effort as he gathered 20 touches.
VFL-listed defender Jack Frost played his best game, and could be added to the Dogs rookie list as insurance for injury-plagued trio Brian Lake, Dale Morris and Tom Williams.
Dogs development coach Peter German said the club was in a strong position after blooding a wealth of talent and having 15 of his side's 20 goals kicked by AFL-listed players yesterday.
"Its a tough call (on whether the Dogs will play finals next year), but the club's still got plenty of talent. So a new coach will come in with a new game style and it all changes, and that could invigorate the players so I think it's an exciting time."
Christian Howard gathered 26 touches and kicked a gem goal on the run from 45m and Lindsay Gilbee led well from a new role deep in attack.
Williamstown impressed with its ability to find space inside 50m despite heavy flooding from Frankston, slamming through 20 goals from 38 attempts.
German declared captain Brett Johnson a likely starter against the Roosters after suffering a sprained ankle and finishing the game on crutches.
Williamstown will miss Ayce Cordy (broken hand) in next week's final, and will also be without Jayden Schofield, Jason Tutt, Ed Barlow, Luke Dahlhaus and Tom Liberatore, who have all impressed at AFL level.
Brett Goodes, the brother of Sydney's Adam, looms as a key against his former club after racking up 27 touches in a best-afield display.
The Roosters will sorely miss captain and backline general Marc Greig, who will miss the season with a finger injury.
FROM THE VFL
WESTERN Bulldogs ruckman Ben Hudson was rested from yesterday's win for Williamstown, but is fit and ready for his farewell game against Fremantle.
DOGS forward Tom Hill kicked eight goals in the VFL reserves and has been compared to Kurt Tippett by recruiter Simon Dalrymple. After battling knee injuries this year and last year when listed at Greater Western Sydney, Hill is the only player on the Dogs senior list to not have played a senior game this year.
THE Western Bulldogs ladder dip could be short lived, with plenty of talent continuing to blossom for VFL affiliate Williamstown.
It was rookie-listed pair Matthew Panos and Jason Johannissen who showcased their potential as the Seagulls obliterated last-placed Frankston by 93 points to cement a qualifying final date with North Ballarat in Box Hill on Sunday.
Panos kicked a season-best six goals and after a stint in the backline, is pushing his case for promotion to the Dogs senior list.
Third-gamer Johannissen sparkled with his pace, creativity and effort as he gathered 20 touches.
VFL-listed defender Jack Frost played his best game, and could be added to the Dogs rookie list as insurance for injury-plagued trio Brian Lake, Dale Morris and Tom Williams.
Dogs development coach Peter German said the club was in a strong position after blooding a wealth of talent and having 15 of his side's 20 goals kicked by AFL-listed players yesterday.
"Its a tough call (on whether the Dogs will play finals next year), but the club's still got plenty of talent. So a new coach will come in with a new game style and it all changes, and that could invigorate the players so I think it's an exciting time."
Christian Howard gathered 26 touches and kicked a gem goal on the run from 45m and Lindsay Gilbee led well from a new role deep in attack.
Williamstown impressed with its ability to find space inside 50m despite heavy flooding from Frankston, slamming through 20 goals from 38 attempts.
German declared captain Brett Johnson a likely starter against the Roosters after suffering a sprained ankle and finishing the game on crutches.
Williamstown will miss Ayce Cordy (broken hand) in next week's final, and will also be without Jayden Schofield, Jason Tutt, Ed Barlow, Luke Dahlhaus and Tom Liberatore, who have all impressed at AFL level.
Brett Goodes, the brother of Sydney's Adam, looms as a key against his former club after racking up 27 touches in a best-afield display.
The Roosters will sorely miss captain and backline general Marc Greig, who will miss the season with a finger injury.
FROM THE VFL
WESTERN Bulldogs ruckman Ben Hudson was rested from yesterday's win for Williamstown, but is fit and ready for his farewell game against Fremantle.
DOGS forward Tom Hill kicked eight goals in the VFL reserves and has been compared to Kurt Tippett by recruiter Simon Dalrymple. After battling knee injuries this year and last year when listed at Greater Western Sydney, Hill is the only player on the Dogs senior list to not have played a senior game this year.
Comment